O2 boosts third sector fundraising

Written by Sally O'Connell

Mobile operator O2 will begin passing on 100 per cent of text donations to charity this week.

Beginning on 1 August, all text message charity fundraising conducted using the company's five-digit shortcodes beginning with the numbers 70 will go directly to the recipient organisation.

The company currently takes 10p from every pound donated to cover network and third party costs.

Fiona Blacke of youth charity National Youth Agency said: "We're delighted O2 has taken this initiative. It will make a huge difference to charities, many of whom depend on donations for their existence."

Simon Davis, head of corporate responsibility at O2, stated that charities need all the support they can get during the current recession.

"We're glad to be able to help in this way," Mr David added.

O2 began donating 90p of each pound raised through charity fundraising initiatives in November 2009 and was closely followed by Vodafone in February.